The transition from Junior Primary into Senior Primary encompasses many exciting developmental changes and challenges. The boys grow physically, socially, academically and spiritually in the Senior Primary, developing self-awareness and increased self-confidence.
In the Classroom
Our curriculum has been developed with the national CAPS as a base, but with adjustments and extensions to create a Cordwalles Curriculum that is relevant and boy-centred. In the Senior Primary, the curriculum becomes more subject-based. We extend the skills of reading, writing and numeracy to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving, research skills, study skills and cooperative learning through content subjects.
Our Learning Support Department works with class and subject teachers to help boys who need remediation. Boys may receive individual remediation according to their needs.
Senior Primary Subjects
In Grades 4 and 5, our boys have a home-based class teacher who teaches Mathematics, English, Social Science and Natural Science. Specialist teachers teach Afrikaans, isiZulu, Drama, Information Technology, Music, Art, Design Technology, Life Orientation, Outdoor Education and Physical Education.
In Grade 6 and 7, specialist teaching is extended to English and Mathematics, where the boys are streamed into sets. Streaming allows the boys to learn according to their learning styles and at a pace that keeps them engaged. In Grade 6, Robotics is an additional subject; in Grade 7, Robotics and Economic Management Science are additional subjects.
Self-Study Skills
We encourage and teach our boys to be organised, responsible and independent. Prep is set in English, Mathematics and second languages; isiZulu and Afrikaans. Over and above their prep work, Grade 6 and 7 boys have to plan and study for their weekly continuous assessments.
We teach study skills such as summarising, mind-mapping, making lists, memory skills and paragraph writing within each subject. Grade 6 and 7 write examinations in November. The boys are taken through a programme to teach them exam preparation and exam writing skills.
Leadership
Our Grade 7 leadership programme teaches the boys that leadership skills can be developed. All Grade 7 boys are given the opportunity to take on duties in Chapel, Sound and Lighting for assembly; IT; monitors of younger classes; leaders of Cordies Families groups; Sports captains; Choir leaders; Music group leaders; and Dorm captains. The opportunity to apply servant leadership at Cordwalles is encouraged.
To learn how we develop Boys of Courage and Character, visit us at Cordies.
Cordwalles Curriculum Highlights
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Biweekly outdoor education lessons take place in our unique outdoor classroom, situated down a winding path through the trees and into the Cordwalles forest. The outdoor classroom is a happy space, with its natural surroundings of birds, insects, small mammals, a running stream and a developing indigenous forest. Our boys love the outdoors and nature and the freedom to learn through moving and exploring. During project or theme days, the boys spend an entire day working outdoors with Mrs Hubble and their teachers, integrating academic skills, life skills and common sense into collaborative activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRIPS
During the Second Term, Grades 4 to Grade 7 experience an environmental outing. Each grade travels to an educational environmental centre with facilities and activities suitable and relevant to their grade. The boys are exposed to activities that test and develop their resilience and courage. Camaraderie, grit, perseverance and freedom to just be, star-gazing, cooking, fire-side evenings are some of the memories they have a chance to make.
PROJECT WEEK
Project Work provides a learning experience in which the boys have to synthesise knowledge from various areas of their learning and apply it critically and creatively to a real-life problem. Project Week is collaboration at its best, as every boy has to bring his unique set of skills to the table to solve the problem.
CULTURAL WEEK
Cultural week is a celebration of music, musicians, movement, drama, actors and dancers, art and artists. The week culminates in “Cordies Idols”, an individual, duo or group singing contest, and the Inter-house Songs Contest, where the Grade 7 leaders involve all the boys in their house in a musical presentation.
READING
Our well-stocked Media Centre is suitably furnished with giant bean bags, soft carpets, a pirates’ ship filled with cushions and lots and lots of wonderful books. This comfortable and inspiring space encourages our boys to love reading. Our librarian motivates and guides the boys to read books that are suited to their reading level and interest level.
BOOK WEEK
Book Week is an annual celebration of stories, characters, authors, illustrators and the joy of reading. It is a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of reading amongst our boys.
Igniting a Lifelong Passion
Cordwalles provides both a classic and aesthetic education while attending to our boys’ emotional, multicultural and spiritual needs. Cordwalles boys are encouraged to explore and participate in everything we have on offer. We want our boys to find what it is that fuels their happiness and provides them with a sense of accomplishment. By finding what ignites them, they will go forward into high school – and ultimately life – with passion. This passion will continue to drive them towards mastery, new experiences, good relationships and happiness.